Emanuel Pogatetz last night received the first major trophy of his career on an emotional evening at the Riverside.

The Austrian defender was revealed as the Middlesbrough Official Supporters Club player of the year.

He received his award from members Margaret Blackburn and Julie McCarron.

Pogatetz said: "I am very proud to be the player of the year. It's a really special honour because it comes from the fans.

"I always give my best on the field. It is important for me to be in the team and to try to improve all the time.

"There are many other players who deserve to be here in my place so it's not just a prize for me, it's for the whole squad."

The MOSC young player of the year was Andrew Taylor, who is currently in hospital recovering from a big toe operation.

His award was presented by Kathleen Parvin and received on his behalf by manager Gareth Southgate.

Southgate said: "Andrew has had a fantastic season. I don't think we expected him to come in and play with that level of consistency over that period of time. He has been outstanding."

The MOSC Community Player of the Year was Lee Cattermole, whose award was presented by Paul Ovington.

Supporters club chairman Sue Gardener said: "Boro players made more community appearances last season than all but one other Premier League club. This season Boro players have made more than 300 community appearances, far more than they did even last season.

"I know that all the players have played a part but Lee Cattermole is the player who has given up most of his own spare time this past season and gone out of his way to support Boro's educational courses and other good causes."